Five things you can do for Earth Day … no matter where you live

However, if you live in an apartment like I do, some of those things may not be so easy. Here’s a list of five things you can do tonight (well … every night, really!) for free to be a little more eco-friendly:

(Photos.com)

See, even your dog will like watching TV in the dark!

1. Turn off the lights when you’re watching TV. Unless you’re multi-tasking in front of the tube, those lights aren’t really necessary. It will like going to the movies!

2. Turn off your air conditioner when you’re sleeping. If it’s cool enough at night and you feel safe leaving your windows open, leave them open at night! However, it’s been hot and I would turn your air conditioner back on during the day, especially if you have pets.

3. Unplug things when you’re not using them. Here are a few things that are using energy, even when you’re not using them: cell phone charger, microwave, TV/home theater system/digital cable box, computer/monitor/speakers … the list could go on and on. Unplugging these so-called phantom load items (Read more about phantom load on LivingGreenSA.com) could save you some cash. If you don’t feel like reaching around or behind something to unplug it and plug it back in every time you use it, buy a power strip and do it once … then just flip the switch on the power strip to turn things off.

5. Start a recycle pile. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t recycle! Use a spare box or trash can to collect recyclables (make sure they’re well rinsed, so you don’t attract bugs) and find a recycling center near you with LivingGreenSA.com’s recycling center database.